Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Kings 1:12

"Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon." — 1 Kings 1:12 (ASV)

The life of ... Solomon. —The usurpation of Adonijah would, as a matter of course, be sealed by the blood of his rival Solomon. (Compare to 2 Chronicles 21:4.) Bathsheba herself would hardly have needed to be sacrificed; but her position of favour with David would excite jealousy, and Solomon, being still young, might well be thought only an instrument in her hands.